Killing of Charles Milton Lewis in Florida in 1950

Incident

Case summary

Charles Milton Lewis, 34, citrus worker, died in 1950 in custody of police officers Hessie T. Lewis and Garland Moore in Polk County, Florida. Lewis was arrested by Lewis and Moore on a charge of drunkenness and put in jail. Lewis was found burning in the jail cell. He was taken to the hospital but died from third degree burns. An FBI investigation stated that Lewis’ clothing had caught fire from a cigarette he was smoking.

Victim(s):

Charles Milton Lewis


Alleged perpetrators/other named individuals:

Hessie T. Lewis

Garland Moore

Perpetrator group type: police

Date of incident: 1950-02-04
Location: Auburndale, Polk County, Florida
Location type: carceral location
Allegation against victim: exhibiting drunkenness

Coroner process
Coroner/inquest: [ ]
Finding of no legal responsibility: [ ]

Criminal process
Arrest: [ ]
Charge/indictment/information: [ ]
Grand jury: [ ]
Trial: [ ]
Conviction: [ ]
Sentence: [ ]

FBI case ID:

Miami 44-185

DOJ case ID:

144-18-144


Document(s):
federal agency records
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